The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini arrived in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region at Friday noon, and was saluted by government officials, leaders from Buddhism organizations and 200 representatives from all walks of life.

The 14 years old Panchen Lama also held his Buddhist blessing ceremony in Lhasa.

Guo Jinlong, secretary of the regional CPC committee, have visited the 11th Panchen Lama in Lhasa, and expressed greetings on behalf of all residents in Tibet Autonomous Region.

The Panchen Lama said he was happy to see the rapid development and improvement of living standards in the region. He also said he was glad that temples and other religious sites had been protected well and the residents enjoyed freedom of religion.

The 11th Panchen Lama was recognized in 1995 by the State Council, through the traditional lot-drawing from a golden urn, as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama.

(CCTV, Xinhua August 15, 2004)